General Consultation Services
Dr. Pleshchuk holds expertise in forensic evaluation, risk assessment, program development and evaluation, and suicide risk and prevention.
- The use of psychological consultants is increasingly recognized as a critical component of a successful legal strategy in cases involving mental health issues.
Dr. Pleshchuk provides expert evaluation and consultation services. She has been appointed to hundreds of cases, across several counties throughout Northern California in the past three years. She has provided expert testimony on a range of psychological disorders and mental health concepts, including trauma, and adverse childhood experiences. Dr. Pleshchuk has been retained as a consultant in legal cases involving mental health issues.
How a Forensic Psychologist Can Help Support a Litigation Team:
- By applying scientific principles and areas of knowledge to each case, the Forensic Psychologist can:
- Help legal counsel understand the meaning and importance of scientific and other data, research, reports, and papers so that such information can be considered in the strategic development of a case.
- Help attorneys and jurors understand complex psychological issues such as the effects of trauma, brain injury, and long-term prognosis of such effects.
- Spot signs of malingering, feigning, secondary gain and factitious disorder (where the plaintiff fabricates their condition to get medical attention).
- Provide an expert opinion concerning whether a person’s assertions and symptoms are likely real or imagined.
- Assess pre- and post-incident functioning, based upon the available information.
- Offer objective evidence to help support or clarify matters that may be in question at trial.
- Communicate scientific principles underlying their expert opinion to a Judge and Jury in an understandable manner.
Services Include:
- Case analysis and development
- Reviewing records to identify salient mental health issues
- Locating and retaining expert witnesses
- Explaining psychological test results, diagnoses, and multifaceted psychological issues
- Assisting in the development of direct and cross-examination
- Translate complex psychological concepts into plain language to provide a significant advantage in achieving a desired legal outcome.
Diagnostic Clarification and Treatment Planning
Psychological assessment can help guide the direction of therapy and provide focus for goal setting and treatment planning. Evaluations can involve tests that measure intelligence, achievement, cognitive functioning, and sometimes motor functioning. Although each test offers its own special type of information, together the test battery gives a full picture of a person’s functioning. The choice of tests used depends upon the question to be answered.
Achievement and Learning
Assessments of achievement and learning serve as a vital tools in identifying and understanding the needs and strength of individual students. Evaluations can be requested by parents, teachers and other school personnel to help promote effective learning and education development. Assessments and written reports offer a clear layout of individual strengths, areas of growth, and needs along with recommendations to help develop appropriate curriculum, educational planning and behavioral modifications.
Who will receive a copy of the evaluation report?
The patient/client will not receive results, an interpretation of results, diagnostic opinions, or therapeutic recommendations directly. Such information may be included in a report sent to the requesting/paying party (attorney) and must be obtained directly through that party's usual and customary manner.
Are evaluations objective and independent?
Forensic evaluations are conducted objectively and independently, regardless of which party retains Dr. Pleshchuk. Dr. Pleshchuk’s role is not to advocate for the defense, prosecution, plaintiff, or respondent, but to provide an impartial professional opinion based on the available information and appropriate psychological methods. Dr. Pleshchuk considers information that may support or challenge the referral question and clearly identifies the basis and limitations of my opinions. The goal is to provide the court and legal professionals with a thorough, balanced, and scientifically grounded assessment.
What records are needed?
The records needed will depend on the type and purpose of the forensic evaluation. Relevant materials may include medical and mental health records, school records, employment records, legal and court documents, police reports, treatment records, prior evaluations, and other case-related documentation. Attorneys are encouraged to provide all records relevant to the referral question. Dr. Pleshchuk will review the available information carefully to determine what additional records or collateral information are needed to conduct a thorough, well-supported evaluation.
Do you travel?
Dr. Pleshchuk is available to travel when a case requires in-person services, including evaluations, interviews, consultations, depositions, and court appearances. Travel arrangements depend on the location and specific needs of the case. Many services can also be conducted remotely when appropriate.
What counties do you serve?
While Dr. Pleshchuk primarily works throughout Northern California, she can serve clients and legal professionals in all counties throughout California. Depending on the needs of the case, I may provide services remotely, allowing Dr. Pleshchuk to work with clients and attorneys statewide. Dr. Pleshchuk also provides forensic psychological services in New Hampshire.